Mark. 12:35-44, Jesus Asks a Question, THE Question

The scribe knew that first commandment: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  What he did not know is that you cannot love God if you don’t love His Beloved Son Jesus!  Jesus makes this clear by asking a question of all who have been listening to these conversations. 

First, He quotes the scribes: How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?  They did say that, and they were right.  But what Jesus is asking is, “why is this all that they say about the “father” of the Messiah?”  He then quotes David, in Psalm 110:1: The LORD (Yahweh/Jehovah) said to my Lord (Adonai), ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’  How can the Messiah be both the Son of David and David’s Lord?  And, of course, there is no answer from the scribes, because the only answer is the Deity of the Messiah!  The scribe knew the Scriptures as to the greatest commandments, but he did not know Jesus.

Before we leave this, let’s make sure we understand this. 

And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. (Jn. 5:37-38)

I do not receive honor from men. ⁴² But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. ⁴³ I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? (John 5:41-44)

Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is^]your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. (John 8:54-55)

Consider what Jesus said in these passages from John’s Gospel, and then consider what He goes on to say about the scribes in Mk. 12:38-40.  Everything that they do is done with self-honor in mind.  Official clothing, being noticed and greeted in the marketplace, front row in the synagogue, head table at the feasts, taking advantage of poor widows, and long prayers!  Jesus is describing that scribe who was “not far from the kingdom of God.”  He was close because he knew the laws that could bring conviction to his heart, that he might turn from himself and love God only!  Instead, he, all those who know better, but who do not repent and believe in Christ Jesus, will receive greater condemnation. 

With all this in mind, now read Mark 12:41-44 again.  This is not a story about a godly widow giving her all to God.  The law never required this.  It is a story of a poor widow who has been convinced by the leaders she trusts, that her path to heaven requires that she give her last two coins.  Typical, evil, religion!